Raptors can't find net in loss against Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Nets (25-28) handed the Toronto Raptors their first loss in 15 games Wednesday night. With the 101-91 loss the Raptors enter the All-star break with a record of 40-15. They stay steady at 2nd place in the Eastern Conference.

Shots, Shots, Shots! Anybody… Please?

Toronto could not find the bottom of the basket. They shot 6.9% below their season average from 2-point range, 7.5% lower from beyond the arc and 2.6% lower on free throws. Serge Ibaka was the only consistent force. “MaFuzzy” cooked up an efficient 28 points with a side of 9 rebounds.

Foul Trouble

The Raptors shot just 13 free-throws throughout the entirety of the game, 5 of which came within the last 2 minutes of the game. Brooklyn’s 25 free throws are over three times the 8 Toronto took during the first 46 minutes of the game.

Kyle Lowry found himself in foul trouble at the end of the 3rd quarter and was forced to ride the bench until midway through the 4th. While he didn’t shoot well (4/13) he was the Raptors’ main facilitator as he dished out 12 assists in the contest. He added 12 points and 11 rebounds for a triple-double.

A taste of what’s to come?

With the loss the season series stands at 3-1 in for the Raptors. This series may be far from over. Based on the current standings, this would be the 2-7 match-up in the first round. The Raptors have outscored the Nets by an average of 4.5 (110.25- 105.75) points per match. This is from them averaging 3 more (8-5) steals while they commit 6.75 less (9.5-16.25) turnovers per game.

The Nets have been without Kyrie Irving for each match, while Marc Gasol has only played once. Gasol produced 17 points and 15 rebounds in his appearance. Having Gasol draws the Nets’ centres away from the paint while he prevents easy shots at the rim.

Up Next for the Raptors

It is time for the NBA All-Star Break! While most of the team will have until Friday February 21st off Pascal Siakam, Kyle Lowry, Nick Nurse and the rest of the Raptors coaching staff will all be in the All-star game for Team Giannis. “Spicy P” will also be competing in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge.